YOU ARE DIFFERENT! in Japan
Added 2022-05-28 01:38:36 +0000 UTChttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0PMvx6A4X0
Comments
Indeed, Brian. SOunds like lots of similarities!
TheJapanChannel.com
2022-05-28 04:04:57 +0000 UTCHi Ed, Wow. A lot of what you said resonated with me. We share experience that are somewhat similar, and somewhat contrasting. I'm not even sure how to begin this comment, so I'll just jump into it. I live in Montreal, Quebec, in Canada. Montreal is a cosmopolitan city, but it sits in a province that is of a French speaking majority. The English community here -although having been here centuries- is shrinking more and more every year. English-Canadian, and French-Canadian cultures differ significantly, as one might imagine. Whereas you have assimilated into Japanese culture and consider Nagoya your home, I was BORN and RAISED in Montreal, but in NO WAY do I consider the Province of Quebec my home. Our two cultures here have always clashed, historically. The government just passed a bill to further marginalize the local English-speaking population. I have always, and still do feel like an outsider in my own province. Although there are many wonderful relationships, and cross-cultural marriages, deep down... they really don't want the English here, anymore. That being said, whereas I can function in the French language, by my accent I am clearly not a native French speaker. One thing we've come to understand is that when someone with whom I am conversing switches to English to accommodate me, it's considered a sign of real respect. I will continue along in French to accommodate them, and we will continue on in this bizarre way to the end of the conversation. So in that small way only, I can understand why someone would want to switch to English to accommodate you. BUT... I can also see your point. You don't necessarily WANT them to switch to English, if I understand you correctly. You're a Japanese national, now. You can get along just fine without being condescended to as a "foreigner". I can understand how you have become tired of it. When you're fed up, you're fed up, and that's all there is to it. I have to say I admire you for your immersion into the Japanese culture. I wish I could have done the same here in my own home, but since childhood I've never felt like anything but a foreigner, and entirely unwelcome. I've managed to live my life among my own, which is to say, English speakers. But that is becoming more and more difficult. Eventually, like all the rest, I will leave and go elsewhere in my own country in order to be accepted. Damned frustrating situation for both of us, isn't it?
Brian Mack
2022-05-28 03:53:05 +0000 UTCAbsolutely, it is a package deal, John.
TheJapanChannel.com
2022-05-28 02:20:53 +0000 UTCWell, ..... since many Japanese have similar education, training and experiences, ......they will have similar thinking patterns, ......and ask same questions. I could see how, after a while, that would get annoying! Enjoy the bad with the good. Keep your head above water. !
John Albright
2022-05-28 02:08:34 +0000 UTC
